Why It Works
The mother-to-mother connection can be very strong. We naturally connect with others who have had similar life experiences to our own.
The Power of Mother-to-Mother Support
• Women are drawn to other women with whom they share life experiences, especially experiences related to childbirth and parenting.
• Most women remember what it felt like to be a new mother and how much they had to learn.
• Many women want to build connections with other mothers to help them get ready for parenthood.
• Peer counselors are very valuable to mothers – they help them gain confidence in their mothering and breastfeeding abilities.
What A Peer Counselor Does
Peer counselors have a number of responsibilities, including:
• Facilitating breastfeeding groups with women interested in breastfeeding and discussing how to make breastfeeding a normal part of daily life.
• Calling/texting moms to offer support and answer questions beyond the usual clinic hours.
• Providing information about and promoting breastfeeding among peers.
• Addressing specific concerns of pregnant and breastfeeding mothers.
• Mastering counseling skills and mother-centered discussions.
• Sharing information with pregnant and breastfeeding women.
• Helping new mothers avoid or overcome common breastfeeding problems.
• Listening.